Four Tips for a Fun Fall Portrait Session

If you know me, you know I love the fall season.  It’s not just the pumpkin spice, the cooler temps, and the crisp air (although they are bonuses)!  Somehow, I feel renewed and reinvigorated in the fall.  I am a fall baby, of course, and maybe this belief in new beginnings comes from starting my career as a first grade teacher.  Fall meant a new classroom, new friends, new notebooks…all the fun things!

It’s no surprise then that being a photographer, I love fall sessions!  It’s the cozy sweaters, it’s the family cuddles, and it’s the fall colors in the photograph that get me each time.   I mean…can we talk about this cutie?

Fall portrait sessions and fun toddlers are some of my favorite family sessions to do. | Barbara Bell Photography near Chapel Hill, NC

She, too, is excited about all things fall.

So…are you wondering how to have a fabulous family portrait session in the fall?  These tips will definitely help.

1. Find some outdoor color.

It’s why we love fall, amiright?  We often think of New England’s fall foliage as the ultimate for fall color, and here’s the truth…there is great fall color all around.   Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll be impressed by what you find.  This sweet gal below took a break from our portrait session in Belmont to find the perfect colors in this leaf.  Success!

A toddler and her fall portrait session in Belmont, CA was great fun with Barbara Bell Photography.

2. Define your own palette of colors.

Often when clients call me to book their portrait session, one of the top three questions they ask is, “What should we wear?”  While the ideas are endless, I always want the people in front of my lens to be comfortable.  We can talk about neutrals and solids and pops of color all day long, my friends.  Unfortunately, if someone is not feeling what they’re wearing, this can come through with the final images.  First and foremost, be comfortable.  Second, be your fabulous selves!

Are you looking for a unified look of a white shirt and blue jeans?  Always a classic look, and especially for those large family and multi-generational shots.

Barbara Bell Photography of San Carlos, CA captures three generations of a family in this family portrait.

Are you looking for something more monochromatic so all members and colors blend well together?

Mother and son get photographed for their holiday portrait cards near Durham, NC with Barbara Bell Photography.

Father and Son take their portrait session together seriously in Belmont, CA with Barbara Bell Photography.

3. Pick a favorite location.

While your photographer will certainly suggest some fun and fab places to do your fall portrait shoot, also think about what you love to do as a family.  Is there a spot that’s special to all of you?  Is there somewhere a bit nostalgic that you would like to revisit and take photos of your favorite people?

A boy among the trees in Chapel Hill, NC with Barbara Bell Photography

4. Most of all, have fun with your fall portrait session.

It’s the best time to pick up some leaves, throw them about, celebrate the season of fall, and go wild!

Fall Portrait Sessions near Chapel Hill, NC with Barbara Bell Photography

Contact us today to schedule your fall portrait session…leaves and fall color not necessary, although I know we can find you some!

 

Barbara Bell Photography creates heirloom photographs to inspire families to share their memories near Chapel Hill, NC.